Clown Shoes Clementine White Ale

Clown Shoes Clementine White Ale. White Ale brewed with coriander and other natural flavors. 

5 % ABV, 20 IBU. Clown Shoes Beer, Boston, MA. 

Just a little bit hazy, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: ah! Citrus fruit and coriander. Note perfect witbier nose. Nicely spicy. 

In the mouth: Light bodied, lean and fruit flavored. Light yeasty texture, brief spices. Just a touch of spices, and lot of wheat and citrus. Smooth and lovely. Very likable. An excellent rendition of the witbier style. 

Clementine is Clown Shoes Beer’s Belgian style White Ale. Light-bodied and crisp, this is a terrific White Ale with plenty of zest! Hazy in appearance and healthily carbonated, it utilizes Chambly yeast to energetically shape its wheat malt base. Incorporated in the brewing process is Clementine, sweet orange peel, a hint of Coriander, and Summit hops.

Warpigs Four Phantoms Blonde Ale

Warpigs Four Phantoms Blonde Ale.

6.2 % ABV, 60 IBU. Brewed & packaged under the supervision of Warpigs Brewing USA LLC, by Summit Brewing, St. Paul, MN, USA. 

I don't really go for blonde ales that much. In order for me to try one out, I have to really want to sample everything from a brewery that I like or get a can or bottle for free. Luckily, both of those things combined to create the review you are about to read. 

To the eye: Lightly hazed, golden toned, slim white head. 

In the nose: soft and slightly sweet, delicately hopped, a whiff of malt. 

In the mouth: Brisk, crisp, clean, and just a little bit hoppy, a little bit juicy. Light bodied, with a lean hoppy finish that steers clear of bitterness. It's actually much higher in hops than you'd expect from a typical blonde ale, which I appreciate. I don't mind this one tiny bit. 

Ethereal American Blonde ale rising triumphant from the daily trials of monotony. Intense citrus, tropical and stone fruit character from start to finish..

Bear Republic Double IPA Big-n-Juicy

Bear Republic Hop Shovel Double IPA Big-n-Juicy.

8.8 % ABV, 80 IBU. Bear Republic Brewery, Robert Park, CA. 

Here's a glimpse inside my maniacal mind. You have perhaps noticed that I sometimes pose the beer can or bottle and the glass I am about to consume upon coasters from that brewery, if I can. These are not from my collection, for I don't wait to spill on them or distress their condition in any way. Those are the extras that I keep just in case I need them. 

Today I was at a bar that was utilizing Bear Republic coasters. I examined them and decided that I already had the exact same one and had no need for tucking one away to add to the collection. Except that when I came home and decided that the next beer I should drink and review should be a Bear Republic beer. And that was when I regretted not grabbing a few of their BR coasters, stuffing them in my pocket and bringing back home to add to the pictures. Which nobody notices, anyway, if you can actually see them. 

I need to see a psychiatrist, I think. 

Anyway, let's drink a beer. 

Lightly hazed, bright golden hue, large and brilliant white head. Looking good. 

In the nose: Dank and resiny. Ripe fruit aplenty, citrus and tropical. Grapefruit rind and orange pulp meet juicy guava. 

In the mouth: A bolt of bitterness to the senses and a jolt of juicy on the palate. Bright citrus dominates the flavors, bitterness hangs in hard and sticks around for the finish. Medium bodied, rich in happiness and abundantly rewarding. Dank and delicious. I can always count on great West Coast breweries like Bear Republic to knock it out of the park when it comes to great double IPAs. It's too bad they also have to use current buzzwords like "juicy" to attract customers. 

Big additions of Azacca, Mandarina Bavaria, Meridian, and experimental 13459 give massive juicy hop aromas of Orange and Tangerine with a hoppy West Coast Double IPA finish.

Utepils Decision Fatigue Pale Ale

Utepils Decision Fatigue Pale Ale.

6% ABV, 30 IBU. Utepils Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

And here we have a variety pack exclusive from a variety pack that I didn't buy. It's nice when things just fall into your lap like that. And now to find out if it's nice when Utepils brews a pale ale. 

To the eye: Clear, amber toned, slim white head. 

In the nose: Malty, esters, herbal/earthy notes. More English pale ale aromatics than American. 

In the mouth: More malt on the tongue, with hops on top. Some citrus, some tropical, with a bit of sweet malt and the earthy/herbal mixed in, with a twist of caramel, too. Medium bodied, long hoppy finish, a touch of the juicy, with a long, hoppy finish. Bitterness lingers. I'm liking it. Feels like a blend of APA and English. And that's a cool thing. 

This delicious Pale Ale will be loaded with tropical flavors coming from the Citra, Mosaic & Motueka hops that were added in this bright, aromatic, citrus forward Pale Ale.

Simply put, this is the perfect beer for when you don't want to think about which beer you should drink.

Arbeiter Chocolate Mint Stout

Arbeiter Chocolate Mint Stout.

5.7 % ABV. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Solid blackness, complete opacity, large brown tower of foam. 

In the nose: Hey, who put mint in my chocolate? No, hold on, who put chocolate on my mint? 

In the mouth: Comes on smooth and slightly sweet. Mint is large and in charge, chocolate joins at the hip, all is balanced and delicious. Medium to full bodied, easy drinking, definitely delicious. Exceptionally well done. 

Pfungstadter St. Nikolaus Bockbier

Pfungstadter St. Nikolaus Bockbier. das Bockbier Zum Fest!

6.9% ABV, 30 IBU. Pfungstädter Privatbrauerei Seit 1831. Pfungstadt, Hessen, Deutschland. 

Three cases of this beer that I'd never heard of arrived at the store. I think the beer buyer is a little obsessed with Santa Claus. We might get rid of the rest of them over the next few weeks. The public's interest in Jolly Ol' St. Nick drops significantly after 12/25.. I picked up a bottle because I like bocks and it was only $3.50. One more beer to check off my list to try them all. See if it's naughty or nice.

Mostly clear, dark brown, slim off-white head. 

In the nose: cocoa and cream, a touch of caramel. Soft and sweet. Mild hops. Good balance.

In the mouth: Silky smooth. Dark Munich malt drive this bock, sweet cocoa and caramel notes pop up, moderate hopping keeps it balanced, clean and malty. A tasty little bock. 

DARK AND STRONG! When winter comes, this will keep you warm inside. The dark roasted malt brings a fantastically rich mix of dried-fruit, fresh-baked bread and bitter-sweet chocolate. You will wish for more winter.

New Holland Dragon's Milk 2021 Reserve 3

New Holland Dragon's Milk 2021 Reserve 3. Bourbon barrel-aged stout with salted caramel. 

11% ABV. New Holland Brewing, Holland, MI. 

Full ebony, absolute opacity, rich brown head. 

In the nose: Sweetness. Caramel. And just below, the bourbon. But, heavy on the caramel. Salted, even. 

In the mouth: More sweet, more caramel. More yum a dum dum. Except that there is nothing else. Nothing but salted caramel dripping over a bourbon barrel aged imperial stout. It's down there, somewhere. There's some cocoa and dark fruit, but covered up in caramel. And if you like that, it's okay. 

Much sweetness. Minor bitterness. Very tasty. I like this for a once in a while treat. 

The final Reserve of 2021 is an ode to one of our favorite releases. Our latest legend is aged for three months in select bourbon barrels and layered with sweet and salty caramel flavors. The result is a truly indulgent brew best described as dessert in a glass.

Sierra Nevada Atomic Torpedo Juicy West Coast IPA

Sierra Nevada Atomic Torpedo Juicy West Coast IPA.

8.2 %ABV, 50 IBU. Sierra Nevada Brewing, Chico, CA & Mills River, NC. 

From the Hoppy 12-pack of bottles, I got through 3 Pale Ales, 3 Dankfuls, and 3 Torpedo, plus 2 of these, to get to this final bottle of this new beer. 

Sierra Nevada can't screw up a West Coast IPA, we all know that. But, why is it "juicy"? Can a West Coast IPA be "juicy"? Let's find out. 

To the eye: Clear, bright golden/amber, slim white head. 

In the nose: Bold citrus notes, and oncoming tropical tones, too. Sweetness increases. Now, it smells like fruit punch. Huh. 

In the mouth: Bitterness comes first, bold and brash, crisp and dry. The promised "juicy" aspect is minor, at best. If you're looking for it, maybe you can find it. And then, the alcohol comes along. Hop bitterness continues to please the palate, titillate the tongue, etc., etc. But it lacks the bitter and dry that I want from a West Coast IPA, replacing it with the juicy. And that's good for some people. I'll take it, too, I guess. 

Atomic Torpedo is our East Coast–West Coast hop collision, unleashing the joint power of two styles: juicy East Coast IPAs and dank West Coast IPAs. Fused in this Double IPA, their hop favors span lush fruit, sticky pine, and floral tones. It’s our classic IPA transformed—soft yet assertive, approachable yet atomic.

Destihl Christmas Pickle Sour Beer

Destihl Christmas Pickle Sour Beer.

5.2 % ABV, Destihl Brewery, Normal, IL. 

This post will be my 500th post of the year 2021. I have never done 500 posts in one year. (Has anyone?) And that will not be the end. I'll get to a few more in the next 4 days. And then I will try to slow it down some. Every single month, I did over 31 posts, sometimes as many as 51. That's a lot of beer in one year. (And yet, it's not all of them, somehow.There are plenty of beers that I try at taprooms, bars, festivals that don't get reviewed.) I should slow down. Not as young as I used to be. 

So, I will commemorate post 500 with a pickle beer, because, of course, why not. The first time I had a pickle beer was Deep Space Brine at Tin Whiskers last last summer (2020). Ed bought me a sample so I could try it, and yes, it tasted of pickle brine. Next up was from Urban Artifact, a beer called Xmas Pickle, which we sampled at work. What does Christmas have to do with pickles. I wondered. Well now I know.

My sister-in-law Laurie is the CFO of the Destihl Brewery and will always bring Destihl beers to our family holiday gathering when she and my brother Kevin attend. This year they brought along this beer, which was Laurie's idea. Hadn't I heard of the Christmas tradition that apparently some people have of hanging a Christmas pickle ornament on a Christmas tree and challenging others to find it?  No, I hadn't. 

So, they gave me a can and because those are my rules, I must review it and post it here. Here goes. 

Clearish, pickle-briney coloration, slim white head. 

In the nose: Pickle pops out, salt is noted on the side. 

In the mouth: Big, juicy pickle flavor right up front, all brine all the time. Then the tart comes along. Just a little juicy, and just enough tart. More salt comes through, as this is based on a Gose, though I'm not picking up any coriander. Light bodied and definitely drinkable, if you like that flavor. It's more pickle than it is sour, but it certainly does the trick. Knock yourselves out. I for one am glad they only gave me one. 

Brother Kevin decided that a miniature
pickle should join the beer in his glass.
I agreed and followed suit. Sister Jean
in the background is unaware of our
sacrilege.

Able Aprikos

Able Aprikos. Ale brewed with Kviek yeast and fermented on apricots. 

Able Seedhouse + Brewery, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, pale apricot color, lush and lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: Slightly tart, softly fruity. Apricot is fairly faint. 

In the mouth: Starts off just a little bit tart, then a hint of apricot rolls in. Apricot flavor is there, but very delicate. Interesting. That's all I have to say. Not good, not bad, but interesting. Light bodied, Easy enough drinking. Light wheat texture. But I'm not even slightly compelled to seek out another after finishing this. 

BlackStack Ales for ALS

BlackStack Ales for ALS. TIPA.

10% ABV. BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Ever so hazy. Bright golden hue. Sizable slab of ivory foam.

In the nose: Soft and hoppy. Citrusy and sweet. 

In the mouth: Fruit blast on the palate. Virtually no bitterness. And the booze starts to boom. Citrus and tropical flavors on the tongue. Juicy stuff, cloudy and soft. Like all of the hazies. I can see why some of you love this stuff, but my feet and firmly stuck to the ground on this issue. They just don't taste like IPAs, not like double IPAs, and certainly not what I know as triples. 

If you ever see a review here of a beer from BlackStack that is not a hazy IPA, it's quite possible that I bought it with my own money. If you catch me giving out the same old complaints about the hazies, more than likely a sample can from the brewery drifted down to me and I can't hold back. I could refuse the gift, but that goes against my principles. 

Put together by the fine folks at Loftus Ranches for ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. This blend features an extremely juice forward combination of Citra, Mosaic, Talus, Ekuanot, HBC 630, HBC 344 & a dash of Sabro. 

Clown Shoes Advent Party Crasher American Imperial Stout

Clown Shoes Advent Party Crasher American Imperial Stout.

8 % ABV, Clown Shoes Beer, Boston, MN. 

So, I bought a box of beers called the Clown Shoes 12 Beers of Christmas. Even though we got it at the store more than a month ago (at least), I didn't bring it home until last week. Only a few days before Christmas. There were four beers I've reviewed before, and eight new to me, including some with holiday themes. I'm only getting to the first new one today, the day after the holiday. Don't be surprised if a few more reindeer and/or elf themed beers pop up in the next few weeks. 

Fullon ebony, utterly opaque, rich brown head atop. 

In the nose: Light roast. Cocoa and char. Bittersweet. Mightily malty. 

In the mouth: Smooth and malty, but with depth and complexity. Chocolate is at the forefront. Some coffee on the side. Long malty finish, deep body, full and rich. I'd have to peg this as a middle of the road Imperial Stout. Right square in the middle, while still enjoyable. 

Brewed with holy water and orange peel.

There's more to the story than that, but this is all that I got off the Untappd entry. I'm not going to fish the can out of the recycling, uncrush it, and try to type out that lengthy ramble that doesn't explain anything.

Montgomery Brewing Company Cooper Barrel-aged Barleywine

Montgomery Brewing Company Cooper Barrel-aged Barleywine.

12.3 % ABV, 61 IBU. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN. 

Clear, dark crimson color, slim off-white head. 

In the nose: fruity, vinous, majorly malty. Beautiful barleywine expressions coming forth, with barrel aged sensibilities unfolding. Smells like brandy and bourbon had a baby. 

In the mouth: Hoppy goodness spills out first, citrus and pine, wrapped up in dark fruit, vanilla, oak and caramel. Cherries and berries mix with grapes and hoppy delights. Sweet fruit and deep, dark malt blended with the barrel. Bold and strong. And strong. Citrus flavors dominate, barrel aging creeps on in. 

Mighty fine barleywine right here. 

Invictus Horror of the Shade Russian Imperial Stout

Invictus Horror of the Shade Russian Imperial Stout.

8.1 % ABV, 60 IBU. Invictus Brewing, Blaine, MN. 

Full-on ebony hue, beneath a rich, brown head of foam. Looking good. 

In the nose: Deep, lush cocoa and coffee. Malt forward, of course. 

In the mouth: Roasted malts, rich, bittersweet, then dry. Dark fruits, chocolate. Full body. Plays it safe, though. Here we have an RIS that sticks well within the fence and goes no further. Not dangerous in the slightest. Mildly expressive. Some layers of char and chocolate and cherries sneak by, but this is by far one of the safest Imperial Stouts I've ever had. 

Horror of the Shade is black as night with a deep, silky, smooth body and dark roasted malts to add notes of chocolate and coffee. Be careful walking in the woods on a dark night for you might find the Horror Of The Shade!

Arbeiter Chai Hulud Vanilla Chai Porter

Arbeiter Chai Hulud Vanilla Chai Porter.

5.5 % ABV, 16 IBU. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Dark brown, nearly black, full opacity, large layer of brown head atop. 

In the nose: Ah, nicely spicy! Is it only vanilla and chai in here? Mighty sweet and smooth, with echoes of coca and coffee beneath. 

In the mouth: More of the same on the palate. Medium bodied, easily consumed, light malty finish. There's a porter under here, just below the vanilla and chai. Extra smooth and spicy. Highly likable. 

The spice must flow! Chai-Hulud is a Porter whose name shall only be spoken of in awe and respect — it’s a beer eternal.

A light-bodied black beer flavored with real vanilla and an in-house chai spice blend. It’s our answer to the pumpkin spiced beers of the season and we think you’ll really like it.

Falling Knife Ghost Step Coffee Stout-Turntables, with the Get Down Coffee Co.

Falling Knife Ghost Step  Coffee Stout-Turntables, with Get Down Coffee Co.

5.8% ABV, Falling Knife Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Solid blackness, thick ring of brown foam that collapses quickly. 

In the nose: Fresh, earthy coffee notes waft out of the glass. Earthy, espresso-ish, aromatic. 

In the mouth: Rich and slightly sweet. Full coffee flavors flood the palate. Sweet, chocolatey malt notes mix with the coffee taste. Full body, long malty finish. 

This is a tasty little number. One of the better coffee stouts I've had in a long time. 

Deschutes Cherries Jubelale Barrel-aged Imperial Winter Warmer

Deschutes Cherries Jubelale Barrel-aged Imperial Winter Warmer.

9.2 % ABV, Deschutes Brewing, Bend, OR.

In the eye: Dark reddish brown, thoroughly opaque, slim brownish head. 

In the nose: Cherries on top of this one, with bourbon barrel flavors just below. Some vanilla and spice, a whiff of chocolate. 

In the mouth: Cherry's in charge again. The original beer is way below, takes of the barrel mingle a little. Slight tart flavor to match the sweet. Full-bodied, long malty finish. Getting very wine-like, with chocolate, spice, and a hint of smoke.

I kind of like it. 

Barrel-aged imperial winter warmer. Cherries and vanilla beans added.

Bauhaus BrewLabs Winterloper Baltic Porter

Bauhaus BrewLabs Winterloper Baltic Porter.

8 % ABV, 30 IBU, Bauhaus BrewLabs, Minneapolis, MN. 

So, this beer came out, and I wondered if I had had it before, and therefore looked it up here in this blog. It's not here. So, I checked it out on Untappd and found that I'd checked in on it six times. A can in 2017, a bomber eight months earlier, on tap at Acadia Cafe in the months prior, more bombers. So, why did I never review it here? Because it used to be called Jingle Fever before they deemed that problematic, for some reason, and changed the name. So, I never reviewed Winterloper, until now. Because if someone looks for my review here, they will never find it. Unless they search through Bauhaus and make that connection, which probably won't happen. So, here we go!

Thoroughly black, opaque, under a rich, tan head. 

In the nose: Creamy, cocoa, hints of coffee, dark fruit. 

In the mouth: dark, smooth, malty. Slightly bittersweet. Medium bodied, super smooth, and hearty. Rich and creamy. Warm and alcoholic. Brings it all home. 

I like a good baltic porter and this is surely one. 

56 Brewing Squatch Watch West Coast IPA

56 Brewing Squatch Watch West Coast IPA.

7% ABV. 58 IBU. 56 Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Once again, a locally brewed West Coast IPA that seems to take it's name from the Pacific Northwest, while the style actually originated in San Diego, CA. It's okay, it's all for fun, but let's check out that beer...

Clear, bright golden color, large, lace-leaving, lasting head of ivory foam. Looking good.

In the nose: Sticky-icky citrus and pine, with a shot of stone fruit on the side. Dankicity abounds. 

In the mouth: Juicy and wet at first sip, then the hoppiness rolls in. Bitterness is mild for a supposed West Coast IPA, it also lacks in the crisp and the dry categories. Medium bodied, some delicious malt flavors, hoppy enough to keep me happy, and tasty, sure, but it just another time that a brewery seems to think that clear and hoppy qualifies the West Coast designation. Failure in that regard. 

Squatch Watch, Day 204: I thought tonight was just another bust, but then all of a sudden, there he was - lumbering the woods & dragging off yet another bag of hops.

Straffe Hendrick Xmas Blend

Straffe Hendrick Xmas Blend. Oak Aged Quadruple Blend. 

11% ABV, Brewery de Halve Maan, Bruges, Belgium.

Thoroughly opaque, burgundy hued, slim off-whitish head. 

In the nose: Malt, yeast, fruit, rich and deep. This is Belgian. Very vinous. Every inch a quad. Dark fruit, figs and raisins, Oh, my, says George Takei. 

In the mouth: Don't mind if I do. More rich Bergundian delights await on the palate. Slightly spicy, giving us the flavors of a Christmas cookie. Warm, malty, earthy, full of fruity/spicy flavors. Gingerbread. Orange and cherry. Cinnamon. So very nice. 

BlackStack / Slice Brewing Any-Way-You Slice It California IPA

BlackStack / Slice Brewing Any-Way-You Slice It California IPA.

7.2 % ABV, BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Crystal clear, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: Citrus hop notes galore. Orange and lemon with a pinch of pine. Delightfully fruity. 

In the mouth: Mild bitterness. Minor malt. Smooth and clean. Juicy/fruity, ultimately bitter and dry, but never enough for this West Coast IPA lover. I'm not sure what makes a California IPA different from a West Coast style. Less bitter? Probably. This is tasty, sure, and drinkable, of course, but lacks any kind of punch on the palate that I truly desire.

Probably perfect with pizza. Too bad I had pork chops tonight. 

We dreamt this up with our No-Cal Buds at Slice Beer Co. Crispy, Lean & Resinous with Idaho 7 Cryo & HBC 586. Is it West Coast or California Style? All we know for sure is that it's fire, anyway you slice it

Montgomery Hops On Parade NE IPA

Montgomery Hops On Parade NE IPA.

8.5 % ABV, 14 IBU. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN. 

I didn't ask for this and I didn't pay for it. Because of this, I will refrain from my normal complaints about the hazies, and try to enjoy. 

Utterly impenetrable haze, golden hue, large and lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: Big citrus, lemon and grapefruit, with a touch of stone fruit, a kiss of peach, and a little tropical note (pineapple) popping in. 

In the mouth: Juicy at the start, flush with citrus hop goodness. More fruity associations flood the palate. Some bitterness, but played lightly. The softness surrounds it. Malt is kept to the background. Hop flavors abound. A delightfully hoppy number. One of the better NEs I've had in some time. 

That's what happens when I hold back my vitriol regarding the ubiquity of the hazy/NE style. Stay positive. Stay cool. But don't get me started about marshmallow pastry stouts. Gotta hold the line somewhere. 

Surly Age of Leviathans Stout

Surly Age of Leviathans Stout, with Ruby Chocolate, Lactose, vanilla.

11.9 % ABV. Surly Brewing Company,  Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. 

This beer crosses two of my lines: lactose and vanilla. I am so sick of lactose and vanilla. I hope that this is just a phase that brewers grow out of and I suspect that I may be right. But, I decided that I had to try it anyway, even though I don't know what Ruby Chocolate is. 

Strictly Stygian, fully opaque, large and lush layer of cocoa-tinged foam above, looking very regal and domineering. 

In the nose: Very berries, or cherries, and very chocolate, too. Fruits and dark malts at play in the aromatics. Hints of caramel, toffee, vanilla, too. Very nice.

In the mouth: Fairly  smooth and effortlessly fruity. Big ol' berries on top of chocolate. Raspberry chocolate truffle in an Imperial Stout. Or, American Double Stout? I can't tell the difference, some days. It's damned tasty, though. Not fully bodied, not too rich, not too full. Just a bit of fruity sweetness countered by a bit of tart. 

In the farthest, deepest fathoms of the ocean, light is but a rumor. That vast, benighted place is where the leviathans hold sway.

Age of Leviathans, Surly’s BC Small Batch offering for September and October, reaches similar depths of flavor, sweetness, and body. Brewed with a new “ruby” chocolate variant—noted for being rich, fruity and just slightly tart—plus raspberry puree, lactose, and vanilla beans, it’s complex, rich, and rules all that it surveys.

NoDa Hop Drop 'n Roll India Pale Ale

NoDa Hop Drop 'n Roll India Pale Ale.

7.2 % ABV, 80 IBU, NoDa Brewing, Charlotte, NC. 

Clear, bright golden color, large and luminous ivory head. 

In the nose: Ah! Fresh, zesty, arresting, spicy and citric. Super dank, green and grassy. Essential IPA aromatics. I'm tempted to believe we have reached perfection. 

In the mouth: Hop attack begins. Juicy, then dry. High citrus and pine quotient in this one. A little bit brittle, and every way hoppy. This is no layabout, it's not soft or remotely smooth. Bitterness coats the palate and pleases this hophead on every level. Bristling with beautiful bitterness, and grassy, citrusy flavors. Lemon, grapefruit, and lime are laying it on thick. 

Yum, I say, a dum dum. 

Our West Coast style IPA hits you with a ton of juicy hop flavor that shines out from a substantial and complex malt backbone. We use Citra, Amarillo, Centennial, Warrior, and Chinook in 10 separate additions to provide the intense hop blast found within this can!

2014 World Beer Cup® GOLD Award Winner! 

Lupulin Key Lime Hypezig Gose

Lupulin Key Lime Hypezig Gose. With Key Lime, Vanilla, Coriander & Sea Salt. 

5 % ABV, 5 IBU, Lupulin Brewing, Big Lake, Mn. 

Mostly clear, bright light amber hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: I'm getting vanilla first, followed by a tartness, then salt. Here comes lime. Nicely rounded, balanced. 

In the mouth: Here's the sour, in the flower, with vanilla swiftly following on the palate. A tasty tango of sweet and sour. Lime flavor is coming on stronger now. Now we're getting the key lime flavor in full effect. Light bodied, no bitterness, merest malt, all key lime.  Not the sort of thing I'd turn to often, but well constructed, for sure. 

What's a hypezig, I wonder? Has it anything to do with Leipzig, the birthplace of the Gose style? Maybe somehow we will find out....

A slightly tart and very refreshing beer influenced by the German roots of Leipzig Goses, infused with key lime, vanilla, sea salt and coriander. Pucker up and enjoy the Hype!

Junkyard Laser Focus Altbier

 

Junkyard Laser Focus Altbier. 

5.3 % ABV. Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

And here we have the first appearance in the Nib of a 16 ounce can from Junkyard. No more crowlers. We still have some at the store, and there are a few I want to check out, so you'll still see one or two before too long. But, hail, hail, the coming of the cans. No longer forced to consume 25 ounces in one sitting, yay! It'll be cheaper by the ounce, as well. Nothing but good can come of this change. 

And I chose this altbier because, as I've said, I would prefer to enjoy Junkyard's efforts at classic styles, rather than the fruited sours and New England IPAs. They usually do a pretty good job at them, and I'd like to spotlight that, whenever I can. (I didn't pick up a pilsner called Grandpa Bill's Pils because, as I've also said, pilsners and lagers are not going to be my favorite styles. Just not happening. 

Clear, light brown, slim, off-white head above. 

In the nose: Malt forward. Nutty. Slightly sweet. Mild hops. 

In the mouth: Clean and smooth. Caramel flavors combine with nuts. Medium bodied. Excellent balance. Minor hops, mostly malty. Just on the edge of sweetness, but all is reined in with this one. Classic and cool. Tasty beer here. 

I like a good altbier and this is one. 

 Laser Focus is a deep-copper Altbier with complex, yet extremely well-balanced flavors. The malty richness, followed by hints of crisp, fruity esters will definitely leave you wanting more. 

Arbeiter / Venn Collider FDHDDHHDIPA with Curuba Fruit

Arbeiter / Venn Collider FDHDDHHDIPA with Curuba Fruit.

9.3 % ABV, 26 IBU. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN, collaboration with Venn Brewing, also Minneapolis, MN. 

I don't remember what those letters mean, although I might have known at one time. DDh is Double Dry Hopped. IPA is India Pale Ale. Is FDH "fresh dip hopped"? Is it a Double IPA? 9.3%, so that checks out. DDHH? I'm so confused over here. {Edit: Hazy Double IPA? Except it's not that hazy...}

But, here we have two of my favorite South Minneapolis breweries collaborating, at long last. {Edit: It's their third time.} And I enjoyed it on tap a few weeks ago, so let's dig this growler. (Which I almost didn't buy because it was $12, but what the hell, I say, once in a while.) 

Clear, bright golden color, large cloud-white head. Looking very good. 

In the nose: Citrus explosion. Lemon looms large. Stone fruit shines through, peach and apricot mix up with the orange and passionfruit. Intriguing. Arresting. Promising.

In the mouth: Juicy fruit! Plenty of bitterness unloaded upon the palate, mixed with a panoply of hop flavors, a mishmash of citrus and tropical tastes. Passion fruit reigns. Slightly sweet, wonderfully refreshing, despite the ABV, and altogether pleasant and delightful. This one firmly belongs to that rarified category called Yum A Dum Dum. 

FDHDDHHDIPA. “Fruited Dip Hopped Double Dry-Hopped Hazy Double IPA” — That’s a mouthful and the silliest acronym ever assembled! Venn had been very interested in using curuba fruit which is in the passion fruit family. Yellow in color, it’s lovingly called the banana passion fruit, it has a papaya-like earthy richness and tropical tartness as well, perfect for a big ‘ol hazy! Azacca, El Dorado, and Mosaic hops were used for their tropical and fruity and mango flavors that played nicely with the curuba fruit. This beer was truly a collision in technique, ingredients, and breweries. A collider of a collaboration!

One of the things I missed was the H for Hazy...but it isn't. Okay, whatever. 

Insight Rhythm Session Gold

Insight Rhythm Session Gold. 

4 % ABV, 15 IBU. Insight Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

I'm just a little confused by the name of this beer. The name is Rhythm, so the style is "session gold?" Aren't all golden ales session beers? Oh, well, let's just drink and see what we will see. 

Crystal clear, bright golden color, large and lasting ivory head. 

In the nose: Clean, lightly floral, minor hops. 

In the mouth: Malt forward, small hop presence, no bitterness. Cereal notes. Exceptionally smooth and drinkable. Practically a note-perfect golden ale. Good golden ale, and you can surely drink it. (But, as for me, I'm gonna need some hops up next.)

Approachable and easy-drinking, our session golden ale fits the rhythm of your everyday life. We designed this ale to be a lightly hopped, full-bodied beer with a touch of golden malt sweetness and flavor. At 4% ABV it's the perfect go-to beer for anyone's rhythm. 

Hammerheart Master's Table Belgian-style Table Beer

Hammerheart Master's Table Belgian-style Table Beer

5.5 % ABV. Hammerheart Brewing, Lino Lakes, MN. 

Lightly clouded, deep amber color, nearly opaque, with a slim white head above. 

In the nose: Fruity esters, whiff of Belgian funk. And of course, the requisite smoked malt that no Hammerheart beer shall be without. 

In the mouth: Smoked malt is front and center, with hints of fruit, berries, apples, some citrus, just beneath. Appreciable amounts of hop bitterness to match the malt. Little bit of a spicy kick, here, too. Very interesting beer, more interesting that I thought it would be. Ends light and dry, but remains fully flavored. Medium bodied, long malty finish. Very tasty one. 

A sessionable ale inspired by Belgian-style farmhouse table beers....fit for the Master's Table with citrus and floral aroma...the master's bouquet. In collaboration with Crypt Sermon. Original art by Mudrot. 

Copperhead Barrel Aged King of Terrors (Bookers)

Copperhead Barrel Aged King of Terrors (Bookers).

16.6 % ABV. Copperhead Brewery, Conroe, TX. 

Solid blackness, complete opacity, slim brown ring of foam atop. 

In the nose: Vast bourbon notes, vanilla, caramel, cocoa, oak. Deep and rich. 

In the mouth: Massive malt. Quickly coming alcohol. Rich and delicious. Dark fruits, chocolate, berries, vanilla, Big and beautiful. Huge body, wonderful balance, while still outsized and bombastic. Boom, boom, boom, boom. Whoa. 

Style: Imperial Stout 

ABV: 5% {I'm going to call typo on this one.}

Bitterness: 100 IBUs 

Profile: Brewed with Brown Sugar, Aged on Cocoa Nibs, Intense Chocolate, Coffee and Caramel Toffee flavors.

Serving Temperature: 40'-50'F 

Availability: Specialty

Description: Our once a year brew. Massive imperial stout aged on vanilla beans, coffee and cocoa nibs!

(These are the stats for the non-barrel aged version, but I am sure is not 5% ABV.)

 

Dogfish Head Blue Fin Pilsner

 Dogfish Head Blue Fin Pilsner. 

4.8% ABV. Dogfish Head Brewing, Milton, DE. 

Another Variety Pack beer. Three Dogfish Head beers I've had before and then this guy. So, let's drink it. 

Clear, bright yellow color, slim white head. 

In the nose: Nicely hopped, floral and dry. 

In the mouth: Crisp and clean, light and smooth. Vibrant hoppiness, low bitterness. Easy-drinking as it gets. It's a pilsner. And a darned good one. Drink it if you see it. 

This small wonder is a crisp & refreshing Pilsner brewed with Delaware grown & malted barley.

A-Side French Saison

 

A-Side French Saison.

7.5 % ABV. A-Side Public House, St. Paul, MN. 

A new brewpub opened up in St. Paul, and it is brewing a saison. That means that Ed will want me to try it with him, and try it I did. This is the second crowler I brought back from our visit. 

Lighhtly clouded, straw yellow color, slim white head. 

In the nose: Bubblegum funk and Belgian yeast esters galore. Citrus and spice and everything nice. 

In the mouth: Spicy, fruity, dry. Medium bodied, yeast-centric, Light hops. More bubblegum with a splash of banana, trickle of citrus. Touch of apricot and peach. Falls firmly in the boundaries of the saison flavor profile. Refreshing and tasty. Just short of delicious. Not too shabby. 

A pale, highly aromatic ale with citrusy, peppery, and fruity aromas and flavors. Dry-hopped with Ariana and Amarillo hops, this beer leaves an unexpectedly silky and rich mouthfeel, yet is also extremely dry and effervescent.

Fulton Snow Emergency Stout

Fulton Snow Emergency Stout. 

6 % ABV, 30 IBU. Fulton Beer, Minneapolis, MN. 

Of course, I waited until the first major snowfall to take my notes on this one. Why not? It's still coming down out there. Glad I'm inside, staying warm and drinking beer. 

Dark brown, nearly black, almost fully opaque, with a slim, brown head. 

In the nose: Roasted malt, cocoa and cream. Light nuttiness. 

In the mouth: Smooth, slightly sweet, full-on creamy. Mostly cocoa, and minor coffee. Low bitterness, high malt. Just a little bit of fruity. Smooth and easy-going, while hearty, bold and full-bodied. Not too shabby, there. 

Snowed in? Car won't start? No problem! Hunker down and wait it out with a Snow Emergency Stout.

Surly Galaxy Gate DDH Galaxy Pale Ale

Surly Galaxy Gate DDH Galaxy Pale Ale. 

5.5 % ABV. Surly Brewing, Minneapolis/Brooklyn Center, MN. 

I went out and bought another Surly variety pack. I contained Furious, as they always do, as well as Grindcore, which I can also drink. Then two beers I haven't had before, and only one was a hazy IPA. We'll get to that one later. First, the other one, a DDH PA. Twice the dry hopping of your regular pale ale. 

Lightly hazed, bright golden hue, slim white head. 

In the nose: big citrus, grapefruit, orange and lemon, splash of berries. Tropical notes come on the scene, hints of pineapple and guava unfold. Highly likable. 

In the mouth: Brief blast of bitterness on the palate starts it off, then fades back. Cool and even. Medium body. Juicy mouthfeel. Bitterness returns to linger on the palate. 

All in all, a satisfactory pale ale, ddh and all. 

BREWED FOR THE STARS ABOVE

Crossing the threshold of what a pale ale can be, Galaxy Gate slips the Surly bonds of earth, boldly going where double dry-hopping carries it. Lit by citrusy character, Galaxy Gate shines.

Arbeiter Pumpkin Spiced Gestalt Alt

Arbeiter Pumpkin Spiced Gestalt Alt.

5 % ABV. Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

I like a good altbier. But, will I like it with pumpkin spices? Only one way to find out...

Clear, deep brown, slim, cream-toned head. 

In the nose: Nutmeg, clove and cinnamon, smooth, sweet, spicy blend resting on top of a malty German-style ale. 

In the mouth: All malt, no hops. Super smooth. Classic altbier. Medium bodied, extra drinkable. And the pumpkin pie floats on top. Warm and wonderful. 

Another one I should have consumed on Thanksgiving Day, but, see my last Arbeiter review for reasons. 

Belching Beaver Double Dichotomy West Coast Double IPA India Pale Ale

Belching Beaver Double Dichotomy West Coast Double IPA India Pale Ale.

8.1 % ABV. Belching Beaver Brewing, Oceanside, CA. 

Clear, bright golden hue, large and lasting beautiful ivory head. 

In the nose: Big time citrus and pine. Nothing but. Grapefruit, lemon and lime, with a rich of rind.

In the mouth: Starts just a little bit juicy, then the bitterness takes over. Hops come on strong, aided by a rush of alcohol, and it all ends dry. Medium bodied, minor malt, major hops. It all comes together. Two of my favorite styles of beer brought together in a wonderful way. 

This double IPA is the glorification of opposites. Boasting hops from opposite sides of the world, Dichotomy celebrates Idaho 7 and Galaxy as its two predominant hops sprinkled with Nelson and Citra. Slightly sweet malt with true hoppy bitterness. Enjoy! 

Insight Avant Dry-hopped Pilsner

 Insight Avant Dry-hopped Pilsner. Dry hopped with Czech, German, and New Zealand hops. 

5 % ABV. 35 IBU. Insight Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Full disclosure time. This is can #3 from a 4-pack of the new Insight beers which I received at the opening of Mark Rivard's gallery show at the Chambers Hotel on Hennepin Avenue, downtown Minneapolis(Across from McKenzie's pub.), back in September.  They actually gave me two 4-packs, and I instantly gave one to a friend who has always been generous to me with his beers. The first can, Drift West Coast IPA, had already appeared here, courtesy of an early sample, so I drank that one without notes, of course. The second one, Vibe New England IPA, was consumed and the notes are in Limbo now, because I am a bad procrastinator. Soon. I promise, very soon. I have one left after this, and it's all long overdue. Let's just drink a pilsner already, okay? 

Maybe you guessed already, but the thought comes up quite often: I don't feel like a pilsner. Sorry, it's just me. 

Original art on display at the Gallery.

Clear, bright golden, slim white head. 

In the nose: Classic pilsner aroma, lightly hopped, floral, malty, crisp and clean. 

In the mouth: more of the same. More crisp and clean, light, but flavorful. Just a bit of citrus. Slightly spicy. Low bitterness, of course, smooth and lovely. Just a good drinking, tasty pils. Delightful. I have to remember to recommend this to the pilsner seekers. It's got the goods. 

We’ve put a creative spin on craft pilsners by dry-hopping this one with New Zealand Wakatu hops. Aromas of lime and citrus transition to traditional pilsner notes from German and Czech noble hops, creating a sessionable, crisp lager packed with flavor. 

Firestone Propagator Series Galaxy Single Hop IPA

Firestone Propagator Series Galaxy Single Hop IPA. Made with Australian Hops. Limited Release. 

6.2 % ABV. Brewed and canned by Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Paso Robles, CA. 

A California Brewing Company. 

All hazy and boring. They left that part out, as is the trend. Dull yellow, slim white head. 

In the nose: Soft, slightly citric, lightly floral. Not much going on. 

In the mouth: More soft and smooth. Hoppy, citrus forward, utterly lacking in bitterness. Some like pillowy to describe a mouthfeel. I find it absolutely tedious. Medium bodied, fuzzy, blah. Soft finish, soft everything. 

If you like a hazy, go for it, you'll dig this. I purchased this as part of a 12-pack sampler, it was the only one I'd never tried. (Wrong, the Double Mind Haze is also new to me.) So, I got to try some new beers and declare my distaste for them, and remember how much I like Union Jack, being partial to the West Coast style. 

Brewed at the Propagator. Single Hop Hazy IPA made with Australian grown Galaxy.

Founders Oktoberfest German-style Märzen

Founders Oktoberfest German-style Märzen.

6% ABV, 20 IBU, Founders Brewing, Grand Rapids, MI. 

I am a bad procrastinator.

Back in October, I bought a 15-pack of this beer once I discovered that I had never had it before and the price was so reasonable. On October 6, I had the first one. Over the next few weeks I had 13 more of them, saving this last one to take notes on. And now, here it is, Nearly two months later. I had lost the desire to drink oktoberfests. But I made that pact with myself so long ago, and I must take notes, so take notes I shall.

Clear, amber-hued, slim white head. 

In the nose: Malty, herbal, floral. Clean. 

In the mouth: More clean, malty, herbal and tasty. Caramel malt flavors with classic Munich malts, noble hops, all done up in the traditional style. Minor hops, but major drinkability and flavor. Good märzen and you can drink it. 

And now I am all done with oktoberfests. No more pumpkin beers, either. On to the winter warmers!

Blink and you’ll think you’re in Bavaria. We went all in on tradition with our Oktoberfest, using imported German malts and hops with a beautiful lager yeast for the finish. Pours a gorgeous copper hue with a rich, malty and slightly sweet backbone. Our version is akin to the beer poured in the early days of Oktoberfest and, yes, it adheres to the Reinheitsgebot. Prost!

Modist Knees In the Breeze West Coast IPA

Modist Knees In the Breeze West Coast IPA. W/ Pale Ale Malts, Wheat Malt, Hopped & Dry Hopped w/ Simcoe, Citra & Cryo El Dorado. 

Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

Clear, amber/golden hue (not quite as bright as I'd like from the style), with  cap of creamy head. 

In the nose: Citrus notes, mixed with slightly sweet malt character. Delightfully hoppy, but missing the mark for style. 

In the mouth: Bitterness grabs the palate at first sip, then fades off for a spell. Juicy fruit sensations cavort among the senses, spill their goodness about, and leave a slight stain. Bitterness returns for a minute, but it is far short of what you'd want in a West Coast, and this certainly lacks the dryness you're looking for. 

Once again, a brewery that regularly traffics in the hazies puts out a new beer and calls it a West Coast IPA, but it is nothing of the sort. It's just an IPA, guys, a regular ol' American IPA. If you call it that, it's a good one.  Just being clear, though, and having some, but not much bitterness, does not a West Coast IPA make. 

Keep trying...

Jack's Abby Copper Legend Festbier

Jack's Abby Copper Legend Octoberfest. Prost!

5.7 % ABV, 20 IBU. Jack's Abby Craft Lagers, Framingham, MA. 

Another first, my first from this Massachusetts brewery, and again it's thanks to Dave. Thanks, Dave!

Clear, amber-hued, lush, full head of foam. 

In the nose: Malty, herbal, semi-sweet, classic noble hops. 

In the mouth: Smooth, bright, malty. Says "festbier" on the label and getting that now, though I wasn't sure at first, color wasn't as golden as that style requires. Would it again be another case of a marzen being called a Festbier? No, this tastes more like Festbier, light bodied, easy drinking, crisp and cool. 

The Can, the Myth, the Legend. Celebrate Octoberfest with this malty, smooth, and exceedingly drinkable lager. Prost!

Great Lakes Dank Demon Imperial Dank IPA

Great Lakes Dank Demon Imperial Dank IPA.

8 % ABV, 70 IBU, Great Lakes Brewing, Cleveland, OH. 

Clear, amber/crimson colored, slim white head. 

In the nose: Dank and resinous, deep and sticky. Citrus splash with candied fruit.

In the mouth: Big, juicy malt commands the palate for a bit before hops take over. Prominent hop bitterness, but not too much. (Coming from me, though, others may be undone by the dankness.) Slightly sweet and succulent, flavors of grapefruit, and lime mesh with apricot and peach. Alcohol comes raining down. And I'm digging it. 

Leafy layers of heady hop aromas lurk in every wicked whiff of Dank Demon's hauntingly full-bodied brew.

Junkyard If I Asked You Would You Wanna? I.P.A.

Junkyard If I Asked You Would You Wanna? I.P.A. Brewed using El Dorado "Incognito" extract and Mosaic "spectrum" extract. 

7.4 % ABV, Junkyard Brewing, Moorhead, MN. 

Hazy, dull yellow, slim, but lasting, ivory head. 

In the nose: more haze. Yeast protein sits under citrus and tropical notes. 

In the mouth: Juicy fruit! Fresh and vibrant. Big and bright. Plenty of citrus, with a touch of the tropical. Grapefruit and orange, with a dash of pineapple. Plenty of hop flavor, with low bitterness. Medium bodied, long, hoppy finish. 

This is a tasty beer, for sure, but I always miss the bitterness. It's just not an IPA without some bitterness. 

“If I Asked You, Would You Wanna” is brighter, smoother, and more complex than any IPA you have had, thanks to the addition of a new liquid hop product we’ve never used! 

You’re probably wondering what is so great about this new cutting-edge hop product? Well, think of hop pellets but in 100% pure liquid hop form… you still get all the amazing qualities you love in an IPA but with sweeter, more specific flavors and aromas and less of a leafy green backbone. 

If the idea of an IPA bursting with bright, smooth, full flavors isn’t enough - This new IPA was created using a combination of two of these new, cutting-edge hop products, Incognito and Spectrum.

Arbeiter Cranberry Arbeiter

Arbeiter Cranberry Arbeiter. 

5 % ABV, 20 IBU, Arbeiter Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

And now we have a beer that maybe I should've opened up last week, on Thanksgiving Day. Or at any time in the last five days. It matters not why or how not, but I'd better drink it up quick, I've got three more Arbeiter beers to get to, so let's get to drinking. 

It's a cranberry version of their "light ale", sometimes referred to as a kölsch, but not necessarily by them. 

Clear, deep crimson coloring, small white head. 

In the nose: There's the berries. All-cranberry, nothing but. Not too tart, though. 

In the mouth: Here it is on the palate as well. Bit of a bout between tart and sweet, but it's mostly pleasant. Little bitterness, minor malt. Not much happening underneath the fruit. Light bodied, clean, slightly tart, simple. 

I would have taken this to my family gathering, but instead I met up with friends. Was I thinking that it wouldn't have gone over as well with my beer nerd friends, or was it just that I wanted to bring more interesting beers to our get together? 

I think the answer is both. 

Metazoa Brewing Company Salmon Cannon Pacific Northwest India Pale Ale

Metazoa Brewing Company Salmon Cannon Pacific Northwest India Pale Ale.

7 % ABV, 60 IBU. Metazoa Brewing Company, Indianapolis, IN. 

Now we have another first, my first beer from Metazoa, and all thanks and praise go to Dave for sharing. 

Clear as a bell, bright golden hue, beautiful, lasting white head. Looking good. 

In the nose: Alive with hoppiness, citrus playing with pine and tropical. Grapefruit and orange mingle with papaya and passionfruit. 

In the mouth: blast of bitterness up front, just the way I like it. Crisp and dry. Light bodied, and packed with hop flavor. Citrus is king, sweet tropical notes from aroma don't join the party so much as stay on the sidelines. Long, bitter, hoppy finish. This is my kind of IPA all the way. 

Loaded with over five and a half pounds of hops per barrel, Salmon Cannon uses a blend of Salmon-Safe certified hops including Comet, Strata®, Amarillo®, Chinook, and Crystal hops sourced from Crosby Hops in Woodburn, Oregon. Salmon-Safe farming practices protect water quality in the salmon watersheds where we source our hops. With a diverse combination of hops and a slight toastiness from Munich malt, this IPA glides through flavors — of citrus, pine, mango, and peach — as effortlessly as the majestic salmon that populate the Pacific Northwest and its waterways.

Surly Ten Ale-- Five Years Later

Surly Ten Ale-- Five Years Later. Old Ale. 

9.5 % ABV, 63 IBU, Surly Brewing, Mpls./BC, MN. 

Maybe I didn't need to open this bottle tonight. After all, an old ale should last even longer than five years. But, you know what, I just felt like it. Why the hell not? I wish I had some party to bring it to, but, alas, ...here we are, with a beer to open and I wish I had someone to share it with. C'est la vie. (Is this a blatant cry for more of my friends, or potential friends, to invite me to their parties? Maybe. But this is still going down tonight.) 

Oh, those days of bomber bottles, and wax-coverings. Ah, nostalgia! So, so...so sweet, the memories! 

Dark burgundy hued, deep and opaque, large, rich, creamy tanned head. Looking great, five years on. 

In the nose: soft, malty, warm, rich. Grapes, dates, raisins, ...leather, tobacco...wer're in barleywine country. Plums, apples, rich malt, so much goodness. 

In the mouth: Mellow. Smooth, Malty. Rich. Just a little indulgent. A panoply of dark fruits, malt-forward, minor hops, much molasses, slightly syrupy, but well-balanced. I feel like I should compare against fresh notes. 

But first...I reviewed this one first in July of 2016, when it was brand new. I checked into it on Untappd nine times before today. The first check-in was from a the first bottle I bought and reviewed in September of 2016, them later, one at the taproom. Next, in October of '16, at Acadia. I must have been sitting on a keg for an event. A few days later, I posted a picture with a slurry of Surly tap handles.  Apparently, I still had it on in November, and then it next appeared at a Surly event at McKenzie's, and something at Jason's farm, and once in a while cracking one open at home, and this is my last one. 

It's still, five years later, huge, rich, powerful, full of flavor. I certainly could have waited several more years, but you never know, do you? Better safe than otherwise. The last thing I want to do is tell everyone: "I waited too long. I's past it's prime." This is not. There is no drop off in flavor, in body, in anything at all. This is brilliant, and I love it. 

Oliphant Nose Hozzle Baltic Porter

Oliphant Nose Hozzle Baltic Porter.

8% ABV, Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI. 

Here is a beer I was in search of for years, ever since my first visit to Oliphant, back in late 2014. I had tried a sampler portion of Gaer Bear, a Baltic Porter, but chose an IPA to take home in a growler, and review here, instead. These were the days before crowlers, and I wasn't going to purchase multiple glass growlers and grow my collection even larger. I never saw that beer again. The closest I came was a barrel-aged version, but not the original. And then, earlier this year, Oliphant announced that they were re-releasing Gaer Bear under a new name, Nose Hozzle, for some reason or another. I asked my boss, the beer buyer at the retail store where I currently work, to please order some when it became available. Perhaps he forgot to, maybe it was solicited on a week when he was going to skip that distributor, who knows, but it never happened, he never ordered it, the beer was never on the shelves at South Lyndale Liquor, and I wasn't in the habit of shopping elsewhere. 

Months went by, and I finally brought it up with Good Ol' Josh, when he came to the store to discuss a tasting event. Wouldn't you know it, they still had some at the brewery, and the next week Mr. Miller delivered and at last they were mine. And now I will open one, and tell you about it. Let's see if I like it as well as when I first had it, almost seven years ago. 

Dark hued, nearly black, opaque, with a slim, creamy tan head. 

In the nose: Roasted malts hit first, dry and bittersweet, Cocoa and coffee in the aroma, with moderate hops. Good stuff going on here. 

In the mouth: Comes on smooth, but hearty. Robust and flowing with flavor. Sweet malt cuts through the hops, leaves a load of cocoa and espresso on the palate. Dark fruit abounds as well, cherries, figs, berries. Dark and delicious. This is exactly what I want from a Baltic Porter, and I wish I could grab this one on the regular. Sometimes, on occasion, I do desire more than an IPA. 

So good. So very, very good. 

Bearded Iris Illusion Double IPA

Bearded Iris Illusion Double IPA. Motueka. Enigma. Elusive Yeast. 

8% ABV. Bearded Iris Brewing, Nashville, TN. 

And now, Bitter Ones, we have the first appearance of Bearded Iris Brewing of Nashville, TN, here in the ol' Nib. Why not til now? Well, every beer I've seen from them before has been a New England IPA, and I tend to pass on those. Also, the price of them. Guess what, this was a free sample, and it's says neither hazy nor New England anywhere on it, although that means nothing, this I have learned the hard way. 

All fogged up, of course, brightish yellow hue, large and lasting, bold ivory head. 

In the nose: sweet, soft, citrusy. lemon and orange muffled up in gauze. Everything is muted in the hazies. 

In the mouth: More soft, more citrus. More missed opportunities. There's a good Double IPA here struggling to get out. Damn, I wish I could just forget about what this style does to me, relax, and enjoy it, but I can't. There needs to be a new name for this style, maybe Weak-Ass DIPA. Or DIPA with it's Balls Cut off. Like booze, and some hop flavor, but not enough? This dumb fake style is for you! 

Nobody likes the bitter bite anymore. Everything's "soft"...sigh....

Now you see it? An intertwining apparition of Motueka + Enigma that unravels into zingy citrus, ripe raspberries, and smooth peach syrup

Raspberries is a reach. And peach syrup? Huh. Whatever.